How to Write Navy Enlisted Performance Evaluations

by Eric Duncan; Updated September 26, 2017

The purpose of an enlisted performance evaluation is to accurately and truthfully describe the performance of an individual over a specific time period. Listing only accomplishments does not fully achieve this goal, nor does only listing subjective statements regarding the individual’s character, loyalty or integrity. A balance of both is critical to a successful evaluation. An individual may have the best attitude in the unit with horrible technical skills. Another may be the best technician in the division with a bad attitude. Both must be fairly evaluated.

Items you will need

Navy Performance Evaluation System Instruction BUPERSINST1610

NavFit98

Preparation

Step 1

Read and become familiar with BUPERSINST 1610, the Navy Performance Evaluation System instruction. Understanding the system, how the evaluations are ranked within your command and the format they are to be written in is critical. An improperly formatted evaluation will be rewritten and edited, possibly destroying the original intent.

Step 2

Download NavFit98. NavFit98 is the program that includes the evaluation template. The program also allows for compilation and formatting of multiple evaluations for the same command.

Step 3

Create a folder of information on each individual. Review brag sheets (individual’s written statements), self-written evaluations, previous evaluations, supervisor’s notes, mid-term counseling and any other counseling. Use these documents to begin the current evaluation.

Comments on Performance Block

Step 1

Write the introduction using subjective and descriptive adjectives. The introduction is the only place where this is encouraged. There are 16 lines of space in the Comments on Performance block and only the first two or three should be used for the introduction. It is critical that they are used effectively. The introduction is arguably the most important section of the evaluation.

Sample: A superior engineer and resourceful leader. He is always willing to take on additional challenges with greater responsibilities. Loyal and responsible, promote to CPO now.

Step 2

Write the bulk of the evaluation in bullet format. These are actionable, truthful accomplishments written with two parts, the accomplishment and the action. Each bullet should begin with a verb and in most cases will not be a complete sentence. Incomplete, fragmented sentences are OK. Using capitalization sparingly is also OK. Bullets should be written in order of importance: duty related, leadership abilities, qualification/training and community service.

Consider using stratification statements that can make an individual stand out among his peers. Consider the following traits: dependability, appearance, technical ability and leadership. (Reference 1)

Sample Bullet: Supervised the delivery of more than 175K gallons of jet fuel in support of RIMPAC.

Write the summary in a narrative format as the introduction is written. Use the last one or two lines of the Comments on Performance block to summarize the tone of the evaluation. This statement should be an overall description of how the supervisor views the individual. If a promotion statement is not included in the summary, it is assumed that the supervisor does not recommend the individual for promotion.

Example Summary: Clearly a top performer and true team leader. The one to choose for the most challenging assignments. Her technical expertise affords this command flexibility and versatility. Strongly recommend for advancement to first class petty officer. (Reference 3)

Tips

Write cause-and-effect bullets. Convey what the individual did and what the positive benefit was to the unit. (Reference 4)

Focus on performance, participation, progression and potential. These are the traits that define and clearly demonstrate current and future leaders. (Reference 4)

Resources

About the Author

Eric Duncan is a military veteran and a professional in the safety, travel and aviation industries. Duncan has been writing since 2002 for magazines, newspapers, local business literature and on such websites as Singletraks.com. He has earned his Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics and his Master of Business Administration.